Crispy Long John Silvers Batter Recipe

Silky-Smooth Long John Silvers Batter Recipe for Crispy Joy

Golden, crispy seafood dreams start with this incredible Long John Silvers batter recipe that promises restaurant-quality crunch at home.

Seafood lovers know the magic of perfectly coated fish, creating that irresistible exterior that shatters with each bite.

This simple yet genius technique unlocks the secret to those addictive, light-as-air batter-fried delights.

Professional chefs guard these culinary tricks, but now you can replicate that iconic seafood restaurant experience in your own kitchen.

The combination of ingredients creates a coating so delicate and crisp, it’ll make your fish shine like a culinary masterpiece.

Weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings just got an upgrade with this foolproof method that transforms ordinary fish into a spectacular feast.

Dive into this recipe and prepare to become the neighborhood seafood frying champion.

Instructions for Copycat Long John Silver’s Batter

Instructions for Copycat Long John Silver’s Batter
  • Batter Preparation

Create a smooth mixture in a spacious mixing bowl by blending dry ingredients until perfectly combined. Make sure the texture is light and airy.

  • Liquid Integration

Pour cold water gradually while stirring, ensuring no clumps form. The consistency should resemble silky pancake batter.

  • Oil Temperature

Heat cooking oil in a deep skillet or fryer, bringing it to the ideal sizzling point for crispy golden coating.

  • Coating Process

Gently submerge protein into the prepared batter, allowing excess to drip off for an even, delicate layer.

  • Frying Magic

Lower the battered item into hot oil, watching it transform into a crunchy, golden delight. Cook until the exterior becomes perfectly crisp and rich golden brown.

  • Serving

Transfer the freshly fried treat onto paper towels to remove extra oil. Plate immediately and enjoy with your favorite dipping companions.

Flavor Options for Long John Silver’s Batter

Flavor Options for Long John Silver’s Batter
  • Seafood Batter Brilliance: Easy tricks to elevate your frying game and make restaurant-quality crispy dishes at home.
  • Batter Consistency Secrets: Whisk ingredients thoroughly and use ice-cold water to guarantee ultra-light, crispy coating that won't get soggy or heavy.
  • Temperature Control Magic: Always maintain oil at steady 350°F to ensure golden-brown perfection without greasy residue or raw centers.
  • Protein Swap Adventure: This versatile batter works wonderfully with fish, chicken, shrimp, vegetables, and even onion rings – experiment with different proteins and produce for exciting meals.
  • Leftover Batter Hack: Store unused batter in sealed container in refrigerator for up to 24 hours, giving you quick frying options for next day's quick meal prep.

Serving with Long John Silver’s Batter

  • Seafood Feast Night: Pair crispy battered fish with classic tartar sauce and fresh lemon wedges for a restaurant-style dining experience at home.
  • Crispy Combo Platter: Create a delightful spread by battering different proteins like shrimp, cod, and chicken strips, serving alongside golden french fries and coleslaw.
  • Dipping Sauce Adventure: Elevate the meal with homemade sauce options like spicy sriracha mayo, tangy remoulade, or zesty ranch to complement the golden, crunchy exterior of your fried delights.
  • Family-Style Sharing: Arrange the battered treats on a large platter with multiple dipping sauces, encouraging everyone to grab and enjoy a communal, interactive meal that brings people together.

Save & Use Long John Silver’s Batter Later

  • Smart Storage Solutions: Keep leftover batter in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Seal tightly to prevent air exposure and potential bacterial growth.
  • Quick Refrigeration Strategy: After cooking, let fried items cool completely before storing in sealed containers. Refrigerate for maximum 3 days, maintaining crispiness by placing a paper towel underneath to absorb moisture.
  • Freezing Technique: Wrap individual uncooked battered items in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw in refrigerator and fry directly from chilled state for best texture.
  • Reheating Magic: Restore crispy texture by using an air fryer or oven at 375°F for 4-5 minutes. Avoid microwave, which can make coating soggy and lose delightful crunchiness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 145 kcal

Servings: 5

Long John Silver’s Batter Ingredients

For Dry Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates a crisp, golden coating that provides delightful crunch and texture to fried foods.
  • Cornstarch: Helps achieve an extra-light and incredibly crispy exterior that stays crunchy longer.
  • Baking Powder: Introduces subtle airiness and helps batter rise for a lighter, more delicate coating.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the richness of the fried item.
  • Sugar: Promotes beautiful golden-brown color and adds a hint of subtle sweetness.
  • Paprika: Offers a warm, slightly smoky undertone and creates a vibrant color in the batter.
For Liquid Binding Ingredient:
  • Cold Water: Helps create a smooth, lump-free batter with perfect consistency for even coating.
For Optional Seasoning:
  • Paprika: Adds a gentle warmth and visual appeal to the crispy batter, creating a more complex flavor profile.

Tools for Making Long John Silver’s Batter

  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining and whisking dry ingredients and creating smooth batter.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending ingredients without lumps and achieving silky-smooth consistency.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Skillet or deep fryer: Necessary for heating oil and frying food to golden perfection.
  • Slotted spoon: Ideal for safely removing fried items from hot oil and draining excess oil.
  • Paper towels: Great for absorbing extra oil after frying.
  • Thermometer (optional): Helps maintain precise oil temperature for consistent results.
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Crispy Long John Silvers Batter Recipe

Crispy Long John Silver’s Batter Recipe


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4.7 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Crispy Long John Silver’s batter creates a golden, crunchy coating for seafood that mirrors the restaurant’s famous recipe. Seafood enthusiasts can easily replicate this signature batter at home with simple pantry ingredients for a delightful dining experience.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) cold water
  • 1 ½ cups (180 g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (60 g) cornstarch
  • 1 ¼ teaspoons (6.25 ml) baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon (5 g) salt
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 g) sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon (1.25 g) paprika

Instructions

  1. Dry Mixture Preparation: Whisk flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, sugar, and paprika in a large mixing bowl until uniformly combined, eliminating potential clumps and ensuring even seasoning distribution.
  2. Liquid Integration: Gradually pour chilled water into the dry ingredients, stirring constantly to create a smooth, consistent batter with a silky pancake-like consistency, eliminating any potential lumps through continuous blending.
  3. Oil Preheating: Warm cooking oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F, verifying temperature with a culinary thermometer to guarantee optimal frying conditions that promote crispy, golden exteriors.
  4. Protein Coating: Fully submerge selected protein (fish or chicken) into the prepared batter, ensuring complete and even coverage that will create a delectable, crisp exterior when fried.
  5. Frying Process: Carefully lower batter-coated items into hot oil, maintaining a steady temperature and allowing each piece to cook for 3-4 minutes per side until achieving a rich, golden-brown coloration that signals perfect crispy texture.
  6. Draining and Finishing: Transfer fried items to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil, allowing them to rest briefly while maintaining maximum crispness and heat, then serve immediately with preferred dipping sauces for an authentic Long John Silvers experience.

Notes

  • Temperature Precision: Use a reliable kitchen thermometer to maintain exact 350°F oil temperature, ensuring consistent golden-brown crispiness without burning.
  • Batter Consistency: Whisk ingredients thoroughly to eliminate lumps, aiming for a smooth pancake-like texture that adheres perfectly to proteins.
  • Oil Management: Choose neutral oils with high smoke points like canola or vegetable oil to prevent off-flavors and maintain clean, crisp frying results.
  • Draining Technique: Allow excess oil to drip completely on paper towels within 30-60 seconds after frying to preserve the batter’s signature crunch and prevent sogginess.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Dinner
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 145
  • Sugar: 0.2 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 0.5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0.4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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